Deseret News | Hey, Derek, those boos <I>are</I> personal

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Lee Benson: Hey, Derek, those boos are personal

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Anonymous | 11:37 a.m. March 19, 2008

Lee Benson should be fired for writing this article. He has lowered himself lower than the Lakers organization.
Media filth. I hate the Lakers! Very badly. But Derrick
Fisher is a great person. He cared for his daughter more than playing here. Is that a crime? This is sick and selfish.

Tucker | 11:40 a.m. March 19, 2008

Wow.

Just... wow.

There's a scale in front of Derek Fisher. On one side is basketball, and on the other is HIS DAUGHTER.

And you people have the audacity to assume he USED HIS DAUGHTER AS AN EXCUSE to leave Utah for Los Angeles?!

The same Utah that was a very strong team, and likely to get stronger this year? The same Los Angeles that was an absurd mess, and not expected by anyone to be any good this year -- even with Fisher?

The man's daughter hung in the balance. HIS DAUGHTER!! And with very few options, he chose LA over New York. Wouldn't you?

Let's see... you can't live where you live now, because one of your child MIGHT NOT LIVE. Your options are limited... don't you choose the best option out of the few you have?

When he left Utah, it wasn't about LA. It wasn't about Utah. It was about his daughter. Once he had a choice between the few locations that he could choose from, that provided adequate care for HIS DAUGHTER, it wasn't about Utah anymore. It wasn't about betrayal anymore. It was just about the best choice with limited options.

wxfan | 11:41 a.m. March 19, 2008

I do agree with those who found the prophet comment funny
Utah people can take themselves MUCH too seriously
so lighten up a bit!
that was funny and I'm sure president Monson would get as big of laugh out of that comment as I did.
hey -you uptight ONES!
even GOd has a sense of humour
WHO created denise ROdman or Robert Kirby?
I suggest you read more of Robert Kirby--tribune sat-mon wed and smaile once in a while
It won't hurt you I promise!

Comments continue below

nocturnal ron | 11:50 a.m. March 19, 2008

as long as utah is winning everybody should just stop talking about it at move on.just be thankful hopefully you or anyone you know doest get eye or anyother type of cancer,im sure it would make you freak you out too and make you make some questionable decisions.

James | 11:53 a.m. March 19, 2008

LOL @ You are being selfish fans comment about this Laker team being the most overrated team of all time. Way to go there man, you 12 years old or something. I have never seen more baseless comments in all my life then I see here on this site. It's no wonder Utah has never won a thing before... their media and fans are complete morons!!!

Respect Fisher | 11:50 a.m. March 19, 2008

Come on people!!! Fisher is still a class act. I don't know if he really intentionally found a way out of Utah, but he was a great example and helped develop D Will into who he is now. As a Jazz fan, I see the purpose of booing him, but it was a little overboard last time. If he did it deceptively, that is on his shoulders not ours. Look at both sides before you make a snap-shot judgment.

wxfan | 11:56 a.m. March 19, 2008

When Fisher returned from the hospital in New York just in time for the final few minutes of a playoff game with Golden State, checked into the game and hit a three, he could have run for mayor, governor and prophet and won at least two out of three.

I find nothing untrue or even anti-mormon in this comment
It is funny
Ask President Monson if HE finds this offensive!
He has a great sense of humour as do most of the GAs I have had a chance to get to know a bit on a personal basis and I assure you that NONE would say that this was the worst thing said about the lds church that day!!!
GO JAZZ! utahns lighten up a bit and maybe the perception that the rest of the world has about us will improve!

Laker4life | 11:57 a.m. March 19, 2008

Okay this article really bothered me. Let's start off with the facts...Fisher's daughter had cancer...went to New York for treatment...Came back for a playoff game...If my daughter had cancer surgery would I be in a hurry to get back to work for a basketball game? Then he asked to be released so he can go get treatment. Now he lived in Los Angeles and knows the area...If you had to move somewhere to get treatment for your daughter...wouldn't you go home, where your comfortable. It's understandable Jazz fans are upset because they realized they don't have a back-up pointguard anymore. So boo him because of what's on his jersey and not what's inside his heart.

Pissed off NBA fan | 12:11 p.m. March 19, 2008

After reading your article on Laker's point guard Derek Fisher, I have come to the conclusion that you have no idea what you are talking about and you should be removed from sports writing all together. If you knew anything about Derek Fisher, you would realize that he is without a doubt the classiest player in the NBA. He always plays hard and he never complains, and in an era where professional athletes are constantly embarrassing their sports from off the court/field activities, Fisher should be viewed as a role model for the NBA.

Jazz Fan | 12:18 p.m. March 19, 2008

There are alot of misinformed people here. Fish left to LA to play for less money not more. There is a specialist in LA for his daughter and yes his family is there for more support. LA was not even considered a playoff team when he signed. The fact that people say the otherwise is just bitterness and a bit cruel. I am embarrased to hear Jazz fans calling him out like this.

Richard | 12:12 p.m. March 19, 2008

I believe the story was that Fisher was released so he could sign with a team closer to his daughter's hospital and treatment. As I read things, she is still being treated in New York. What is the truth?

Pissed Off NBA fan | 12:18 p.m. March 19, 2008

Also, show me one piece of evidence that gives me a reason not to believe what he is saying is true. Derek Fisher single handedly carried the Utah Jazz through the playoffs last year, despite the physical condition of his daughter. Nobody would have held it against him if he missed the playoffs altogether last year, but he went out there and played his heart out anyways. The Jazz fans should be praising him right now, not
booing him. Fisher has every right to be upset, because he did nothing but help improve the Jazz. The least that city could do to thank him is clap when he steps onto the court. I have watched Derek Fisher play for his whole career now, and when Fisher tells reporters the reason he left Utah was for the medical treatment for his daughter, than that is the reason, period. Also, the Jazz were a strong team going into the season, while the Laker's were not expected to contend for a title. Unlike the Jazz, Los Angeles Laker's fans love Derek Fisher. We understand his contribution to the community and the league, and he understood this.

Pissed Off NBA fan | 12:19 p.m. March 19, 2008

He has a great support group in Los Angeles. The entire city is his family, and that is something he wouldn't have received anywhere else in the country. He could have made a lot more money playing for another team, but he didn't and you should be ashamed of yourself for writing that article and making Derek Fisher look like
a liar. How about putting some concrete evidence in the article before you go running your mouth off next time.

Anonymous | 12:19 p.m. March 19, 2008

Do you think when Fisher asking for Jazz to release him so he can be closer to his daughter under treatment and Jazz owner never asked him the following questions;
Which city are you going?
Are you going to play NBA any more?

Yes, we were not there, no one heard the answer but I am sure the above question has been asked. So...unless Fisher lied, or he play for LA and his daughter still getting treatment in NYC. Then I see nothing wrong that Fisher signing with Lakers!

Bottom line is that Fisher wasn't productive enough for the Jazz owner insist keeping him...(hint: If it was Booser, do you think Booser will get release?)

th | 12:18 p.m. March 19, 2008

i don't understand how you guys can be so upset with fisher.
his daughter has cancer
she needs treatment
last time i checked, LA has better hospitals (UCLA) than salt lake city
if you want to boo someone, boo your health care system for not attracting better doctors.
as for the guy who said boozer's kid can't like in utah b/c of the altitude - the kid's got sickle cell anemia, which is more treatable (lifestyle modifications) and not as serious than something like retinoblastoma (cancer), which needs monitoring from oncologists.

the guy who wrote this article should try putting himself in fisher's position before he promotes hate.

To Alex | 12:32 p.m. March 19, 2008

Are you sure it wasn't your uncanny lack of coordination?

Jaro | 12:26 p.m. March 19, 2008

That's absurd any good NBA player deserves respect wherever they go.

U Can't Handle the Truth | 12:36 p.m. March 19, 2008

Bottom line; The Jazz are better off without him this year (now that Hart is out of the rotation).

I don't know if anyone realized that Derek had been talking to the Lakers before he was released from Utah...That is why he fired his agent the day after he was released when his agent proclaimed that he had been in contact with the Lakers. He's lucky the NBA didn't come down on that.

I think Derek Fisher is a great person. I think he deeply cares about his daughter. I think people still "boo" him because of the way he left. He and Kobe are great friends, and even talked often while he played in Utah.
Are you going to tell me that the reason he signed with the Lakers was pure coincidence and the BEST POSSIBLE OPTION FOR HIS DAUGHTER!!! This was not about his daughter...It was a selfish move to be back with the Lakers. He still has flown his daughter to NY for treatment...wasn't that the whole reason for leaving.

His daughter's story is sad...especially because "Dad" hid behind it.

GREAT ARTICLE

Great Moment | 12:30 p.m. March 19, 2008

It makes me sad how quickly you all forget one of the jazz greatest moments when fish came late to that playoff game. The whole thing is like a movie is awesome

Shocked! | 12:39 p.m. March 19, 2008

Fisher wanted to be in one of the few cities that could give his infant daughter the best medical care, so he could be there when she underwent her procedures. The Jazz granted him his release to do this. Was the understanding that he was supposed to retire?? He signed with a team that was located near the best care he could receive, and a team that he already had a relationship with. The Lakers at the time were not as good as the Jazz. Lest we forget that the Jazz went all the way to the conference finals, while the Lakers were one and done. Anyone who boos Derek Fisher for this reason is nuts. Boo him because he is a laker, but not because of this!

Understanding is the key... | 12:40 p.m. March 19, 2008

If one can't walk in another's footsteps it may be the best thing to just keep one's piehole shut (unable to "boo" that way). Derek and his WIFE (correctly noted by others above) had some personal decisions to make. Just get over it you pseudo-Jazz fans and sit back and enjoy Kyle Korver who possibly wouldn't even be here if not for the Fisher's decision. Remember, professional basketball comes under the entertainment umbrella - it is not a true business when the top-level employees make considerably more than the owner/s. Thirty teams and only one of the not-for-profit, discretionary-cash guys will be at the top at the end of the season. Fisher, Kidd, Gasol, Shaq, etc., are all part of the revolving entertainment door - so let's just cheer the Jazz in trying to beat the 10% odds of finishing on top. Want to "boo"? Then let it go - when Carlos is introduced!

D Will fan | 12:40 p.m. March 19, 2008

if you play for the lakers you know what to expect!take the byu utah foot ball game nobody really hates these players but you dont cheer for the other team the jazz fans hate the lakers! long may it be that way!

LA and New York | 12:41 p.m. March 19, 2008

Two biggest markets in the country for commerce sports and medicine why is there any reason to question his motives? ever heard of UCLA Med Center? If you had unlimited capital wouldn't you take your kid to the highest profile Doc? They are most likely in LA and NY. To throw the guy under the bus for flying to NY a few more times, to f/u with his doc is dispicable. That said both he and we are better off (except his pay cut) even if LA beats us in the playoffs, because OUR team is better w/ Brewer starting D-fish is a point guard (shooting guards shoot better and play D), and we have one of the best. Love D-fish, but don't miss him and I definitely don't ? his integrity.

Fisher/Sloan | 12:50 p.m. March 19, 2008

When Fisher's agent implied that there were other "reasons" for leaving Utah, and then was fired, who do you think he was talking about??? I can't believe that none of you get it that Fisher hated Sloan. It was so obvious they didn't like each other, so fisher wanted out at any cost. I don't blame him, I wouldn't want to play for sloan either. So why not go to the zen master who fisher had already won 3 rings with. He knew the jazz had the players to go places, but not the coach.

gg | 12:50 p.m. March 19, 2008

Once again we Jazz fans sound like a bunch of small market yokels that can't take the smallest slight without having our "feelings" hurt. Why are we so thin skinned? It's obvious that at the time Fisher left, he was taking a hit career wise. Why does nobody mention the sacrifice he made to come back for that playoff game, leaving his family at a critical time when talking about his character. The truth is that if you look at Fisher's life over the long run, his description of events fits they way he has lived his life. If you look at us Jazz fans over the long run, our whining and crybaby attitude about Fisher fits the way we have always acted. When will we ever grow up?

ijazzfan2 | 12:52 p.m. March 19, 2008

quote
When Fisher returned from the hospital in New York just in time for the final few minutes of a playoff game with Golden State, checked into the game and hit a three, he could have run for mayor, governor and prophet and won at least two out of three.

ha ha !! that is funny!

I have had enough personal contact with President Monson that I'd be VERY surprised he took offense at that comment that was obviously meant to be a joke. If he took the time to read all the bloggers whose whole mission in life is spreading hate and lies about the lds church I'm sure he would NOT say this joke was even close to a slam on the lds church in comparison.

You need to read Robert Kirby in the tribune and take your pills.

SO lighten up guys and enjoy the good ride sloan and company have shown us this year. AND take your meds or you won't be around to see how entertaining the JAZZ will be NEXT year!

GO JAZZ!!

column or editorial? | 12:54 p.m. March 19, 2008

I hate Lee Benson's opinion on Fish. But it is that an opinion, it is a good EDITORIAL and contraversial if it was meant to be an editorial he should get a pat on the back for getting this many comments, otherwise it is speculatation NOT Journalism.
Still Booz is just plain SMART the guy is a DUKIE, but I disagree that his intent was to test the market by opting out. Cleveland just wanted to lock him up for a little more now so they could keep him and Lebron. Cleveland broke the rules, the Jazz wouldn't do it. Don't throw Booz under the bus.

Saugusjack | 12:54 p.m. March 19, 2008

Fact: Fisher took a multi-million dollar pay-cut by leaving the Jazz.

Fact: At that time, the Lakers were falling apart. Kobe was demanding a trade and Bynum was still unproven. Most "experts" were picking them to finish no better than eighth.

So why would any pro lie to engineer that outcome?

Jim | 1:05 p.m. March 19, 2008

Would I rather live & work in L.A. or Utah. That would be a knee relex decision!

shawn | 1:08 p.m. March 19, 2008

you pathetic ridiculous Jazz Fan's are all the same. That was a very class-less thing to do. Derek Fisher was a class act a great player and is much to thank for Derron Williams much improved play last season and into the playoffs. Without Fish The Jazz would have been lucky to make it to seven games against Houston last year, and would not have won that series. The immaturity of the Jazz players showed against a veteran team like San Antonio last year and would have occured much sooner had Fish not been on the roster.

Fish is now part of a team and orginization that respects him and are true championship contendors and not just a bunch of pretenders.

Injustice | 1:15 p.m. March 19, 2008

Try to put things in perspective here Jazz fans. Fisher's daughter has retinoblastoma, a rare disease where cancer develops in the retina of the eye. If extensive treatment is not provided, it may spread to other parts of the body (i.e. to the brain) and sometimes causes the death of the child. The treatment may be complex and "should be done in specialist centers only". Take a minute to think about how terrible this disease is, and how it may drastically affect the quality of life of Fisher's child. Now ask yourself as a father would you even hesitate to move to a city where treatment is not only more accessible, but also where a support system is already in place? Or more so, would you then go and use this terrible disease "as an excuse" to not play basketball (BASKETBALL!) for a coach that you "dont like"? Am I the only one who can't make sense of these wild accusations? Think about how sad and unlucky his situation is. The guy's daughter has a rare life threatening cancer, and he played his heart out for you guys...and you guys are gonna boo him???? Show some empathy and compassion please...

Anonymous | 1:17 p.m. March 19, 2008

Hey Benson, do you think that you could take your head out of Larry Miller's pocket long enough to see reality. Both you and Doug Robinson are nothing but annoying suck ups to Larry Miller. I guess the perks are great aren't they?!

Ridiculous | 1:18 p.m. March 19, 2008

I dunno how some of you people can say that what fish did was right. Talk about his daughter having eye cancer? Isn't there something in SLC known as the Huntsmnan cancer institute that is world renowned for this kind of stuff?

All of the evidence points to Fisher being a baby and not wanting to play here anymore. When he first got traded to Utah, he didn't even want to come.

What a dirt-bag, he deserves those boos, every last one of them

shawn | 1:41 p.m. March 19, 2008

your name say's it best RIDICULOUS! Fish does not deserve the boo's after what he did for the jazz orginization last year. Ask Derron Williams what he thinks about Fish, ask Jordan Farmar. Good luck in the playoffs, last time I checked you do have to play on the road and lucky for you the Blazers won't be there to knock you out.

jerry sloan | 1:47 p.m. March 19, 2008

how can so many of you miss the main point to all this lying, deceit, misunderstandings, and money. Do you think anything of this magnitude involving a player and the utah jazz cannot be without jerry playing a major role. Jerry Sloan as at the middle of this entire soap-opera. Fisher does not like sloan, he didn't like him before he got here, didn't like him while he was here, and doesn't like him now. Fisher never said anything good about sloan as he left. How can anyone beleive that anything that goes on in the jazz franchise does not center around jerry sloan, please, please don't tell me you all missed this even if you love or dislike sloan.

Bi-Polar Wannabe | 1:46 p.m. March 19, 2008

To address a few arguments...

There are 8 direct flights/day from SLC to NYC. Do you really need more options than 8 any given day? And flying from SLC would save you ~ 2+ hours in precious time with your family.

Jazz have lost 3 games at home all year. Fans should find any excuse they can to boo opponents. Carmelo Anthony hasn't done anything to offend any Utahn. But he sure gets booed every time he touches the ball.

For as many times as Larry has "pulled one over" on his players and staff; it's kind of nice to see him get duped.

I wish Fish the best. I think he used his daughter as an excuse to leave Utah. Jazz are better without him. But at the end of the day; it doesn't matter cause we should boo every opponent that enters ESA. The whole point of having a home court advantage is that the fans play a part in making the other team feel uncomfortable in the environment.

Dave | 2:05 p.m. March 19, 2008

I don't know Fisher's true intentions, but I felt jilted when he signed so quickly after he was released from his contract. Just like Raja Bell, actions speak louder than words.

I won't boo, but I lost a lot of respect for him.

Bob | 2:10 p.m. March 19, 2008

Humm Family wants to live near relatives. Big pay raise if we move. No brainer. My dad worked for an airline and I went to 12 schools.

We lost Fisher but we gained Boozer on the same kind of deal. I like the trade. Quit whining. We'll beat the Lakers anyway.

roger flores | 2:13 p.m. March 19, 2008

u jazz fans have no respect for derek fisher after what he did for ur city u should be ashamed of yourselfs i hope u guys lose against my lakers on thursday.u should cheer fish not boo him after all he's been threw with his daughter.that's a disgrace i guess nobody likes the lakers even if they go threw hard times!!!!!!!!!!number team and always will be the number one team in the nba. go lakers!!!! 2007-2008 nba champions and i'm not a bandwagon fan.

Sloan Hater | 2:14 p.m. March 19, 2008

Here for the last word.

Would this article have even been written if Fisher signed with the Clippers? Would fans still boo him if he was on the losing Kings' team?

These are better questions than the ones asked in the article.

I personally live by the 'judge not lest ye be judged' philosophy.

Save the Boos for Sloan!!

Fire/Retire Sloan

Anonymous | 2:24 p.m. March 19, 2008

This is sarcasm, right? Right?

Jorge | 2:25 p.m. March 19, 2008

If we are to buy any of this, we also must believe that Fish USED his daughter's cancer as a way to better his own situation. As someone who has followed Fisher's career, this is not the sort of guy he is. When Fisher left L.A. the first time, he ALWAYS recieved a standing ovation when he came back to play as a member of the Warriors or the Jazz. He meant that much to the city. He never blind-sided the Jazz or Larry Miller. It was a class act on Miller's part to release him and let him do what was best for his family. It's too bad that same class is not demonstrated in this article or by the Jazz fans.

F in Journalism | 2:26 p.m. March 19, 2008

No balance in this article. Why would Fisher take much less money? Has Fisher been known to screw people, organizations, etc...? What is his past character? He is well respected by both players, coaches, communities, etc... He deserves the BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT DON'T YOU THINK? He did think of his team when he flew back from New York didn't he?

Comparing him with Boozer is apples to oranges. Would the cavs have let Boozer out of his contract if they had known they would lose him? NO WAY... to think otherwise is simply illogical. This article is the definition of being ILLOGICAL, BITTER, BETRAYED, SELFISH AND IRRESPONSIBLE. The only case being made here is one of Sad Pathetic Journalism and a knock on the Desert News for hiring a person without fair judgement.

to refresh your memory | 2:29 p.m. March 19, 2008

going back to the news from the first couple of weeks in July 2007, you can read that:

Fisher was released with 3 years and 20.6 million left in his contract, and signed with the Lakers for 14 million. So maybe he did not leave because of money.

Reports about Fisher leaving the Jazz also stated that he was NOT looking to move to New York, or closer to New York, but to move to "one of six or seven cities where his daughter can receive optimal care for her rare form of cancer" New York and Los Angeles were among those cities.

Going further back in time, now about Boozer who "conducted his betrayal without deception". That is not what the Cavs said at the moment, when they stated that they had reached an agreement with Boozer to release him and sign him to a better contract. They even wrote an open letter to their fans to explain the situation and why and how Boozer was lost to the Jazz. So much for "no decption".

Anonymous | 2:44 p.m. March 19, 2008

Let's say Fisher was an everyday kind of guy. He quits his job to move to a place where his child can get better health care. So he gets a different job in the area that they moved to. What's wrong with that? I guess the fact that in reality he's not your everyday kind of guy. And who needs a job when you've already made your million.

to benson ???? | 2:48 p.m. March 19, 2008

When Did Fisher say one thing and do another????

confused | 2:43 p.m. March 19, 2008

Ummmm... so you don't boo because he left to move to a city where his daughter could receive adequate treatment for cancer, which L.A. is, but you boo him because he signed with L.A. - that logic makes no sense. Actually, you never state any reason why the fans should or would boo him, just merely restate the facts and call it a lie without the hint of proof. Very poor commentary on the state of journalism at the Deseret Morning News.

Over paid | 2:46 p.m. March 19, 2008

Puttiing aside all the speculation, one thing is obvious the jazz were overpaying fisher in terms of dollars and years. I personally hated the trade when it happened and was totally relieved when fisher opted out. Fisher provided very little, on the court, was horrible down the stretch of the season, in the playoffs last year heterrible except for game 4 vs GSW and his 2 game 2 entrance. Can you imagine paying him 7 mil for the next 2 years after this. The jazz are lucky, because they made a bad move to begin with.

As stated above, on the open market fisher was worth alot less than we were paying him. Plus he wanted to play for the zen master, not sloan.

Greatful | 3:03 p.m. March 19, 2008

I'm happy he left. We would've never gotten Korver. We would've never gave Brewer the minutes he deserves. I'd take a still young Korver and a young Brewer and build rather than keep fisher. So I'm happy he's gone

John | 2:57 p.m. March 19, 2008

I'm the the father of 2 diabled sons,one by marriage. People have no idea what it'ts like to go through this,unless you have walked in their shoes. They are the most important thing in your life,and you will do anything for them,that you feel is right. Derrick a great guy and very caring person with a big heart.With all these BS comments fom all you idiots and the writer whos a jerk don't have a clue.
You never know one day you may be in the same situation. I hope not just think about it.

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